We booked in a 4 course cooking class while on our honeymoon in Tuscany and it absolutely exceeded our expectations. Alessandro was friendly, professional and knowledgable. The food we made was delicious, we went home with recipes and our own little aprons (such a nice touch). Highly recommend!
We simply loved our cooking class with Chef Piccinini! He met us in the morning at the market in Montepulciano and taught us about many of the unique ingredients for sale. From there we developed a menu on the fly. Later that afternoon he showed up, ingredients in tow and aprons for all of us to wear (we also got to keep them!). Course by course we were taught how to properly prepare dishes like Asparagus Risotto, Salted Sea Bass (AMAZING!) and Monk’s Beard salad, a local favorite. He was patient and very fun to be around. We all felt right at ease and we can’t wait to see him on our next trip to Tuscany.
We were a group of eight who first experienced with the chef a bit of truffle hunting in a nearby reserve. Understanding the kinds of truffles and their seasons as well as the process by which they are found was so neat to see firsthand! We returned and made a three-course lunch using the truffles, including pasta, truffle egg and a for dessert a flourless chocolate cake. The chef was organized, he quickly and expertly involved everyone and used his skills and personality to help us create both a terrific lunch and provided many “ teachable moments “ The kitchen is modern and immaculate. The food and company were terrific. Chef worked as a maestro, conducting a group with a variety of skills and producing a delicious result. I would highly recommend that if you have an opportunity to work with Alessandro that you do so.
It was such a gift to be all together with our whole family at the incredible Villa degli Artisti in Montepulciano, Tuscany. Our meal by Alexandro was fit for a king and queen in this medieval palace of Italy. Alexandro was so patient and kind and shared with us the best culinary skills that became our favorite meal of our 20 day trip in Europe. He gently guided our grand ones ages 9, 10, 11, 14 and 15 in making the most delicious Italian pasta sauce, and the fun and tasty pechi pasta that we rolled out to almost 3\' long...so scrumptious. The beef in wine sauce was also my favorite and the marvelous pork shanks and chocolate cake were the ultimate!!!! Please don\'t miss out on this \"Italian Cooking Lesson of Love\" as your family becomes \"mini chefs\" getting all the skills and empowerment to cook for their parents and grandparents putting a smile of content on all faces. Alexandro was kind enough as well, to share all his recipes with us, so we can enjoy this night in our minds to treasure for always. This type of experience is priceless with Alexandro. With all our love, thanks and blessings for you and all you hold dear! You will make a great dad someday! Amore! And God Be With You!
My wife and I couldn\'t have asked for a better experience. Chef Alessandro was so welcoming and we learned so much. With his guidance, all four courses came out delicious. Also getting to pick what to prepare was a great highlight.
Alessandro\'s class was a last-minute add-on to our trip to Pienza. We had a marvelous time - the Tuscan Kate pesto on crispy polenta was phenomenal!
Chef Alessandro\'s class was fabulous, wonderful, and very hands on. He met the participants (from US, Australia, Canada) with a glass of Prosecco to get the evening started. He provided printed recipes of each dish. We were all allowed to participate, and everyone did! My favorite was the baked pecorino over radicchio that had been lightly dressed in olive oil. And the delicious pancetta wrapped pork tenderloin wjich was baked and then wrapped in a phyllo dough brushed with egg...gorgeous and delicious. Did I forget to mention the flourless chocolate cake with lemon rind coulis? All served with great local vino rosso. We made some great friends, and will do another class when we return in the spring! Alessandro is a gem!
Chef Alessandro is the best! Had an absolute blast learning to make authentic Tuscan dishes in a fun and engaging way! Highly recommended!
Enjoyed an wonderful evening of cooking and camaraderie with Chef Alessandro this month. What an experience! Chef was a great teacher, our fellow students were a joy, and the food was delicious! Definitely one of the best experiences of our time in Italy!
We had a great evening with Alessandro at his cooking class! Learned a lot and food was wonderful! Thank you!
